In Bond Fine Wine. 2018 Château Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 99/100 (JD). Drinking window: 2023+. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Typically well-judged and well-priced, a Pomerol star known for structured decadence and polish. Unusually in Pomerol, a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend adding to its distinctive complex character.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 94/100 · Vinous, 26/08/2021 · Drink 2026 - 2038
The 2018 Clinet is a powerful, reticent wine that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to become approachable. Today, the tannins are especially forbidding, Inky dark red fruit, iron, cedar, mint, licorice and dried herbs give Clinet its signature profile marked by savory Cabernet Sauvignon aromas and flavors. This is a terrific showing from Clinet and proprietor Ronan Laborde.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 96–99/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 24/04/2019
The 2018 Chateau Clinet is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon (which is more Cabernet than usual) that was brought up in slightly more new oak than normal, aging in 75% new and 25% once used French oak. Sporting a saturated purple color, it has a massive perfume of black and blue fruits, crushed violets, spice, and orange blossom. Full-bodied, deep, expansive, and layered on the palate, it's a…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 94–96/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 23/04/2019
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clinet begins a little coy and then, with coaxing, opens out to vibrant black cherries, kirsch, baked plums and cinnamon stick scents with hints of cloves and anise plus earthy truffles and fungi wafts. Full-bodied and chock-full of bright, energetic fruit, it has a firm, finely grained structure and long, fragrant finish. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabe…